The presentation of Black British experiences in Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'
I can explain how 'Leave Taking’ is a social commentary on Black British experiences.
The presentation of Black British experiences in Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'
I can explain how 'Leave Taking’ is a social commentary on Black British experiences.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Pinnock wrote 'Leave Taking’ to share the “distinct” Black British experience.
- The character of Enid speaks to the complex history and relationship Jamaica and Britain share.
- Arguably, both Viv and Del struggle in different ways with being a second generation Black British immigrant.
- Arguably, both Viv and Del struggle with being second generation immigrants and Black British citizens.
- Arguably, the ending of the play is ambiguous but hopeful for both the Del and Viv.
Common misconception
Viv, Del and Enid are not British citizens.
All three women are British citizens. Enid relocated from one part of the Commonwealth to another. During this post war period, this ensured legal status in Britain. Viv and Del were born in Britain.
Keywords
Social commentary - a text which explores and critiques particular problems in society
Colonisation - when a country establishes control over another country, exploiting it for economic gain
Commonwealth - an international association of 56 independent countries many of which used to be British colonies
Transatlantic slave trade - whereby slave traders enslaved African people and transported them, often to America
Crown colony - a colony which was controlled by the British Crown with a governor representing the Crown in the colony
Equipment
You need access to Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' by Nick Hern Books.
Content guidance
- Contains strong language
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
resolves her conflict with Del; expresses her vulnerability
becomes an obeah woman; prepares for the birth of her child
is going to pursue Black Studies at university
finds out she has a terminal illness
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a text which explores and critiques particular problems in society
when a country establishes control over another and exploits it
an association of 56 independent countries - many used to be colonies
whereby slave traders enslaved African people and transported them
a colony which was controlled by the British Crown